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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3.4Item 3.4 TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS Staff Report to the Planning Commission October 7, 2010 SUBJECT: A REQUEST FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITY CONSISTING OF THREE (3) NEW PANEL ANTENNAS TO BE CO -LOCATED ON AN EXISTING 70' TALL MONOPINE AND A 184 SQUARE FOOT ADDITION TO AN EXISTING STORAGE/CUTTING SHED TO ENCLOSE THE ASSOCIATED GROUND EQUIPMENT; LANDS OF LOS ALTOS HILLS (APPLICANT: T -MOBILE); 26379 FREMONT ROAD; FILE 492 -10 -CUP FROM: Nicole Horvitz, Assistant Planner-�w APPROVED BY: Debbie Pedro, AICP, Planning Director RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission: Forward a recommendation to the City Council to approve the requested Conditional Use Permit and Site Development Permit subject to the conditions of approval and findings of approval in attachments 1 and 2. BACKGROUND The proposed wireless communication facility is located on the Town Hall property at 26379 Fremont Road. Currently located on the property is the Town's Emergency Operation Center (Heritage House), ground mounted solar panels, monopine, and a storage/cutting shed housing the associated ground equipment for the wireless carriers on the monopine. On February 16, 2006, the City Council approved the installation of a new 70' tall monopine with six (6) panel antennas to be constructed by Cingular Wireless (now AT&T), along with the installation of four (4) emergency communication panel antennas. On January 14, 2010, the City Council approved Verizon Wireless to co -locate on the monopine with six (6) panel antennas and place six new ground cabinets within the existing storage/cutting shed. On June 3, 2010, T -Mobile Wireless submitted an application to co -locate on the existing monopine to improve their wireless coverage in and around the project site. Surrounding uses include single family residences to the west, north, south, and across Fremont Road to the east. Staff Report to the Planning Commission Lands of Town of Los Altos Hills October 7, 2010 Page 2 of 8 CODE REQUIREMENTS Wireless Communications facilities are regulated under Section 10-1.703 (h) (2) and 10-1.1007 (1) of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code. The project was also reviewed for compliance with the requirements in the Wireless Communications Facilities Policy including: siting, collocation, screening, and color to ensure that the facility blends with the surrounding area. The Municipal Code also requires that all Conditional Use Permits must be reviewed by the Planning Commission and City Council. WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES POLICY The proposed facility is consistent with the Town's Wireless Communications Facilities Policy because it is a non-residential site, a co -location project, and visual impacts are minimized by the monopine foliage. DISCUSSION The existing wireless communications facility consists of a 70' tall monopine just north of the heritage house. Six (6) AT&T panel antennas are currently mounted on the monopine at 66' from grade and six (6) panel antennas for Verizon will be mounted at 55' from grade. Four (4) of the Town's ECC antennas are currently mounted on the monopine at 24', 36', 48', and 70' from grade. The ECC's antenna at 48' from grade is to be relocated by Verizon with the installation of their antennas. The applicant is proposing to add three (3) panel antennas (55.9" h x 13.3" w x 3.15"d) at 47' from grade and extend the existing storage/cutting shed by 11'6" to the north to enclose the associated ground equipment. The Town's Emergency Communications Committee has reviewed the proposal and made recommendations to revise the location, size of the ECC antennas, correct the azimuth, and revise the notes regarding the relocation of the ECC antennas by Verizon wireless. T -Mobile has included the recommendations into their proposed plans. A radio frequency (RF) analysis for the project was submitted by Hammett & Edison, Inc., consulting engineers, dated June 2, 2010. The report concludes that the proposed wireless service, along with existing AT&T, ECC, and Verizon wireless service, will comply with the FCC's current prevailing standard for limiting human exposure to RF energy. Therefore, no significant RF energy impact on the environment or population is expected (Attachment 4). Staff Report to the Planning Commission Lands of Town of Los Altos Hills October 7, 2010 Page 3 of 8 NEIGHBOR CONCERNS On September 14, 2010, the applicant sent a letter to the neighbors within a 500' radius of the proposed project, introducing the project and welcoming any interested persons to contact them directly (Attachment 6). To date, staff has not received any correspondence from the public regarding the proposal. AESTHETICS The antennas will be subject to the same aesthetic conditions as the approved AT&T monopine and antennas. The materials, colors, and design used to screen the antennas must match the AT&T antenna installation. The antennas will be painted to match the existing antennas and screened with sufficient artificial vegetation to resemble a healthy mature pine tree. The extension of the storage/cutting shed will match the existing building materials and colors. CONCLUSION The proposed facility will be in compliance with the Wireless Communications Facilities Policy. The applicant has submitted a report demonstrating that the proposed facility will operate within federal RF emissions standards and guidelines. CEQA STATUS The proposed application is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15301(a) of the CEQA Guidelines. ATTACHMENTS 1. Recommended Conditions of Approval 2. Recommend Findings of Approval 3. Applicant's statement requesting to co -locate dated June 1, 2010 4. Radio Frequency emissions report by Hammett & Edison, Inc. dated June 2, 2010 5. Photo Simulations 6. Letter sent to the Neighbors by the Applicant dated September 14, 2010 7. Wireless Communications Facilities Policy 8. Site Development Plans Staff Report to the Planning Commission Lands of Town of Los Altos Hills October 7, 2010 Page 4 of 8, ATTACHMENT 1 RECOMMEND CONDITIONS FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT FOR A WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY LANDS TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS (T -MOBILE) 26379 FREMONT ROAD; FILE # 92 -10 -CUP PLANNING DEPARTMENT: 1. No modifications to the approved site development plans are allowed except as otherwise first reviewed and approved by the Planning Director or the Planning Commission, depending on the scope of the changes. 2. Any changes or revisions to the telecommunications facility or its use shall require an amendment to the applicable conditional use permit(s). Additionally, the Planning Director may schedule a review or revocation hearing. before the Planning Commission regarding the use permit, if any condition of approval is not being met or the facility is being used inconsistent with the approved use or in violation of Town development codes. 3. The site leasing agreement with the Town shall be executed prior to acceptance of plans for building plan check. The agreement terms will include access routes associated with use of the equipment shed and additional antennas located on the monopine. 4. The applicant shall submit a signed agreement to the Town, agreeing that, should the use be discontinued by the carrier, all facilities will be removed not later than 90 days after discontinuance of the use or abandonment. The agreement must be signed by the applicant and submitted to the Town prior to acceptance of plans for building plan check. 5. The applicant shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Town of Los Altos Hills and its agents, officers, and employees from any claim, action, or proceeding against the Town of Los Altos Hills or its agents, officers, or employees to attack, set aside, void, or annul an approval of the project to the extent such actions are brought within the time period required by Government Code Section 66499.37 or other applicable law; provided, however, that the Applicant's duty to so defend, indemnify, and hold harmless shall be subject to the Town's promptly notifying the Applicant of any said claim, action, or proceeding and the Town's full cooperation in the defense of such actions or proceedings. 6. The use permit shall expire ten (10) years from the date of approval. Renewal of the permit must be requested in writing, with appropriate fees, prior to the expiration date. 7. The Planning Department shall verify that the visual appearance and aesthetic quality of the artificial foliage and branches of the existing monopine is not significantly altered, prior to final inspection of the facility. Staff Report to the Planning Commission Lands of Town of Los Altos Hills October 7, 2010 Page 5 of 8 8. The new antennas shall be painted and screened by sufficient artificial vegetation to resemble a healthy, mature pine tree, and shall incorporate "needle socks" over the antennas to match the existing antennas. A sample of all colors and materials must be reviewed and approved by the Planning Department prior to issuance of the Building Permit. 9. The proposed improvements to the existing shed facility shall match the current board on board design and shall be painted to match the existing structure prior to final building permit inspection. 10. No lights shall be installed on the communications facility or on the ground equipment shed. 11. If any apricot trees are harmed or destroyed during the construction and installation of the wireless communication facility, they shall be replaced at a 1:1 ratio, with an apricot tree of similar size, prior to final inspection. 12. T -Mobile or the operator of the site shall be responsible for repair or repainting of the proposed facilities in case of vandalism or wear and must do so within 72 hours of notice by the Town that a complaint has been received. 13. The communications facility shall comply with the Town's noise ordinance at all times. The applicant shall perform an acoustical analysis of the ground equipment in the equipment enclosure to demonstrate that noise emissions from the equipment is at or below 40db. A report prepared by an acoustical engineer shall be submitted to the Planning Department, prior to final inspection. 14. The applicant shall not cause radiation in the frequencies allocated as primary to the amateur radio service and may be required to correct any and all future interference problems experienced by other licensed services. 15. Upon completion of project construction, the applicant shall conduct testing of the T - Mobile and emergency communications antennas to ensure satisfactory operations of the facility, identify any interference requiring mitigation, and implement mitigation measures if needed. The applicant shall be strictly liable for interference caused by the wireless communications facilities with the Town's emergency communication systems. The operator shall be responsible for all labor and equipment costs for determining the source of the interference, all costs associated with eliminating the interference, (including but not limited to engineering analysis, filtering, and installing directional antennas). ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT: 16. Any, and all, changes to the proposed Site Plan shall first be approved by the Town Engineering Department. No grading shall take place during the grading moratorium Staff Report to the Planning Commission Lands of Town of Los Altos Hills October 7, 2010 Page 6 of 8 (October 15 to April 15) except with prior approval from the City Engineer. No grading shall take place within ten feet of any property line. 17. Final grading and drainage shall be inspected by the Engineering Department and any. deficiencies corrected to the satisfaction of the Engineering Department prior to final approval. 18. Any, and all, areas on the project site that have the native material disturbed shall be protected for erosion control during the rainy season and shall be replanted prior to final inspection. COUNTY OF SANTA CLARA HEALTH DEPARTMENT 19. The applicant shall submit a copy of the Hazardous Materials Construction Permit to the Town, approved by the Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health (1555 Berger Drive, Suite 300, San Jose, CA 95112, www.EHinfo.org/hazmLt), prior to acceptance of plans for building plan check. CONDITIONS NUMBERS 3, 4, and 19 SHALL BE COMPLETED AND SIGNED OFF BY THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT AND THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT PRIOR TO ACCEPTANCE OF CONSTRUCTION PLANS FOR PLAN CHECK BY THE BUILDING MH0471471-►Z 1 -OWN M Staff Report to the Planning Commission Lands of Town of Los Altos Hills October 7, 2010 Page 7 of 8 ATTACHMENT 2 CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FINDINGS OF APPROVAL FOR A WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY LANDS TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS (T -MOBILE) 26379 FREMONT ROAD; FILE # 92 -10 -CUP 1. The proposed use or facility is properly located in relation to the community as a whole, land uses, and transportation and service facilities in the vicinity; The Town's Wireless Communications Policy establishes Town owned properties as the top priority for wireless installations. Further the policy encourages co -location. The addition of T -Mobile Wireless on the approved monopine provides greater wireless coverage to the community with minimal aesthetic impact. Construction of the proposed wireless installations will not place an undue burden on existing transportation, utilities, and services in the vicinity. The unmanned facility requires on-site visits by maintenance personnel on monthly basis. 2. The site for the proposed use is adequate in size and shape to accommodate the proposed use and all yards, open spaces, walls and fences, parking, loading, landscaping, and such other features as may be required by this chapter or, will be needed to assure that the proposed use will be reasonably compatible with land uses normally permitted in the surrounding area; The site is adequate in size and shape to accommodate all wireless installations. The proposed installations have been designed to minimize any impact to the existing uses onsite. The existing access and parking facilities onsite are sufficient for the limited trips generated by the construction and maintenance of the equipment. No tree or significant vegetation are proposed for removal. 3. The site for the proposed use will be served by streets and highways of adequate width and pavement to carry the quantity and kind of traffic generated by the proposed use; and The construction and maintenance of the proposed antenna and ground equipment will generate minimal additional traffic. The site is served by Fremont Road, which can accommodate traffic generated by the proposed use. No materials will be stored in the right of way. Staff Report to the Planning Commission Lands of Town of Los Altos Hills October 7, 2010 Page 8 of 8 4. The proposed use will not adversely affect the abutting property or the permitted use thereof. The conditions of approval of this permit include standards in accordance with the Wireless Communication Policy to ensure land use compatibility. In addition, the proposal will not increase visual impacts from surrounding properties. The proposed wireless communication facility, as conditioned, does not pose any foreseeable impact to human or environmental health and will not interfere with permitted uses in the vicinity. Attachment 3 sutro consuftina 21 'C Odnda Way, #254, Orinda, CA 94563 • WWW.s *OCOnsultin9.com June 1, 2010 Town of Los Altos Hills Attn: Nicole Horvitz 26379 Fremont Road Los Altos Hills, CA 94022 Dear Ms. Horvitz: Sutro Consulting, on behalf of T -mobile, is submitting a request for a renewal to a Conditional Use Permit for a new wireless facility located at an existing monopine at 26379 Fremont Road, in Los Altos Hills, CA. Please review the below information for property description and submittal requirements: Site No.: Zoning: Project Address Site: Assessor Parcel Number: Agent Contact: Project Description BA24127 IMI 26379 Fremont Road 175-53-042 Sutro Consulting Talin Aghazarian 21 `C' Orinda Way, #254 Orinda, CA 94563 T -mobile is proposing to construct, operate and maintain a wireless telecommunications facility on an existing monpine at 26379 Fremont Road. The proposed facility will involve adding six panel antennas mounted on an existing monopine', The antennas will be placed at approximately 49 feet on the monopine. The four Ericsson Base Transceiver Station (BTS) equipment cabinets will be placed at the west comer on the property and will continue the same equipment shelter that currently houses the other wireless carriers. The proposed site is a collocation site. Safety and Compliance The proposed facility will not be detrimental to the character of development, as it will be un- staffed, having no impact on circulation systems. Furthermore, it will generate no addition, the proposed wireless telecommunications facility will operate in full compliance with all local noise, odor, smoke or any other adverse impacts to adjacent land uses. T -Mobile technology does not interfere with any other forms of private or public communications systems. s utro cans u Iti n 21V OM& Way, #254, O&da, CA 94563 • wwwsukow isu ftcam Since their introduction, wireless telecommunications systems have proven to be an invaluable communications tool in the event of emergencies (traffic accidents, fires, etc.) and natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, etc.) where normal land line communications are often disrupted or inaccessible during and after an even has occurred. This service and similar technology are utilized by numerous governmental agencies that provide emergency service. Wireless telecommunications systems, including cellular telephones, have also proven to be invaluable tools in business communications and everyday personal use. Unlike other land uses, which can be spatially determined through the General Plan, the location of wireless telecommunication facilities is based on technical requirements which include service area, geographical elevations, alignment with surrounding sites and customer demand components. Placement within the urban geography is dependent on these requirements. Consequently, wireless telecommunication facilities have been located adjacent to and within all major land use categories including residential, commercial, industrial and open space proving to be compatible in all locations. The proposed facility will not detrimental to the character of development, as it will be un -staffed, having no impact on circulation systems. Furthermore, it will generate no noise, odor, smoke or any other adverse impacts to adjacent land uses. In addition, the proposed wireless telecommunications facility will operate in full compliance with all local, state and federal regulations including the Telecommunications Act of 1996. T -Mobile Company Information Based in Bellevue, Washington, the U.S. operations of T -Mobile International AG & Co. K.G., consists of T -Mobile USA, Inc. (formerly VoiceStream Wireless) and Powertel, Inc. (together'T- Mobile"). T -Mobile is one of the fastest growing nationwide wireless service providers, offering all digital voice, messaging and high-speed wireless data services to more than 20 million customers in the United States. The T -Mobile global brand name made its debut in the United States in July 2002, choosing California and Nevada as the first markets in the country to launch its wireless voice and data services. Here in the Bay Area, T -Mobile has purchased and taken control of the former PacBell Wireless/ Cingular System on January 5, 2005. T -Mobile offers consumers and business customers the most advanced mobile communications services available today, including voice, text messaging, and high-speed wireless data services. T -Mobile operates an all-digital, national wireless network based exclusively on GSM technology. T -Mobile holds a license in the California Market as follows: 1950.2-1964.8, 1965.2-1969.8 MHz and 1870.2-1884.8,'1885.2-1889.8 MHz. Submittal Requirements (Per Development Review Package) Development Application Please see the enclosed completed development application. Letter of Authorization is also attached to show AT&T's consent and signature. Mailing Labels Please see two sets of mailing labels included in the package. Antenna Master Plan Please see the enclosed master plan for the proposed site and surrounding areas. sutro consulting 21 V Orinda Way, #254, O&da, CA 94563 • www—gftc nsulting.com Conditional Use Permit Finding Please see the attached findings. EMF Report Please see the enclosed EMF report prepared by Hammett and Edison. Photosimulations Please see the attached photosimulations. Plans Please see the following: 10 sets of 24x36 sets of plans. Filing Fee Please see the enclosed checks for $2,685 Attachment 4 T -Mobile West Corp. • Proposed Base Station (Site No. BA2412713) 26379 Fremont Road - Los Altos Hills, California Statement of Hammett & Edison, Inc., Consulting Engineers The firm of Hammett & Edison, Inc., Consulting Engineers, has been retained on behalf of T Mobile West Corp., a personal wireless telecommunications carrier, to evaluate the base station (Site No. BA2412713) proposed to be located at 26379 Fremont Road in Los Altos Hills, California, for compliance with appropriate guidelines limiting human exposure to radio frequency ("RF") electromagnetic fields. Prevailing Exposure Standards The U.S. Congress requires that the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") evaluate its actions for possible significant impact on the environment. In Docket 93-62, effective October 15, 1997, the FCC adopted the human exposure limits for field strength and power density recommended in Report No. 86, "Biological Effects and Exposure Criteria for Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields," published in 1986 by the Congressionally chartered National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements ("NCRP'). Separate limits apply for occupational and public exposure conditions, with the latter limits generally five times more restrictive. The more recent standard, developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and approved as American National Standard ANSI/IEEE C95.1-2006, "Safety Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields, 3 kHz to 300 GHz," includes similar exposure limits. A summary of the FCC's exposure limits is shown in Figure 1. These limits apply for continuous exposures and are intended to provide a prudent margin of safety for all persons, regardless of age, gender, size, or health. The most restrictive FCC limit for exposures of unlimited duration to radio frequency energy for several personal wireless services are as follows: Wireless Service Frequency Band Occupational Limit Public Limit Broadband Radio (`TRS") 2,600 MHz 5.00 mW/cm2 1.00 mW/cm2 Advanced Wireless ("AWS") 2,1.00 5.00 1.00 Personal Communication ("PCS") 1,950 5:00 1.00 Cellular Telephone 870 2.90 0.58 Specialized Mobile Radio ("SMR") 855 2.85 0.57 "700 MHz Band" 700 2.35 0.47 [most restrictive frequency range] 30-300 1.00 0.20 General Facility Requirements Base stations typically consist of two distinct parts: the electronic transceivers (also called "radios" or "channels") that are connected to the traditional wired telephone lines, and the passive antennas that send the wireless signals created by the radios out to be received by individual subscriber units. The HAmmE7T & EDISON, INC. cO`srcrtNG. ENGENEE16 TM2412711596 "AN FRANC: M c : Page 1 of 4 T -Mobile West Corp. - Proposed Base Station (Site No. BA24127B) 26379 Fremont Road - Los Altos Hills, California transceivers are often located at ground level and are connected to the antennas by coaxial cables about 1 inch thick. Because of the short wavelength 'of the frequencies assigned by the FCC for wireless services, the antennas require line -of -sight paths for their signals to propagate well and so are installed at some height above ground. The antennas are designed to concentrate their energy toward the horizon, with very little energy wasted toward the sky or the ground. Along with the low power of such facilities, this means that it is generally not possible for exposure conditions to approach the maximum permissible exposure limits without being physically very near the antennas. Computer Modeling Method The FCC provides direction for determining compliance in its Office of Engineering and Technology Bulletin No. 65, `Evaluating Compliance with FCC -Specified Guidelines for Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Radiation," dated August 1997. Figure 2 attached describes the calculation methodologies, reflecting the facts that a directional antenna's radiation pattern is not fully formed at locations very close by (the "near -field" effect) and that at greater distances the power level from an energy source decreases with the square of the distance from it (the "inverse square law'). The conservative nature of this method for evaluating exposure conditions has been verified by numerous field tests. Site and Facility Description Based upon information provided by T Mobile, including zoning drawings by Michael Wilk Architecture, dated May 12, 2010, it is proposed to mount three RFS Model APX 16DWV-16DWV- S-E-A20 directional panel antennas on an existing 70 -foot pole, configured to resemble a pine tree, sited adjacent to the Town Hall, located at 26379 Fremont Road in Los Altos Hills. The antennas would be mounted with 2° downtilt at an effective height of about 49'2 feet above ground and would be oriented toward 50°T, 180°T, and 290*T, to provide service in all directions. The maximum effective radiated power in any direction would be 2,120 watts, representing simultaneous operation at 880 watts for PCS and 1,240 watts for AWS operations. Presently located at the top of the pole are similar antennas for use by AT&T Mobility, Verizon Wireless has been approved to install antennas on the pole, and Clearwire has proposed antennas on the pole, as well. The transmitting facilities proposed by those carriers are as follows: J. HAmmETr & EDISON, INC. cON5 i. INN ENGINEEKs TM24127B596 SAN Fh.41c11WO Page 2 of 4 T -Mobile West Corp. • Proposed Base Station (Site No. BA24127B) 26379 Fremont Road • Los Altos Hills, California Carrier Service Maximum ERP _ Antenna Model Height AT&T PCs 1,500 watts f 1 Cellular 1,500 Kathrein 742-264 68 ft Verizon PCs 640 Cellular 800 LTE 400 Clearwire BRS 970 Antel BXD63406380CF 58 Antel BXA70063/4CF 58 Argus LLX310R 39 Also mounted on the tower are several omnidirectional antennas for low-power, intermittent communications services. Study Results For a person anywhere at ground, the maximum ambient RF exposure level due to the proposed T Mobile operation by itself is calculated to be 0.0016 mW/cm2, which is 0.16% of the applicable public limit. The maximum calculated cumulative level at ground, for the simultaneous operation of all four carriers, is 1.2% of the public exposure limit; the maximum calculated cumulative level at the second -floor elevation of any nearby building` is 1.8% of the public exposure limit. It should be noted that these results include several "worst-case' assumptions and therefore are expected to overstate actual power density levels. No Recommended Mitigation Measures Due to their mounting locations, the T Mobile antennas would not be accessible to the general public, and so no mitigation measures are necessary to comply with the FCC public exposure guidelines. It is presumed that the several carriers will, as FCC licensees, take adequate steps to ensure that their employees or contractors comply with FCC occupational exposure guidelines whenever work is required near the antennas themselves. Conclusion Based on the information and analysis above, it is the undersigned's professional opinion that the base station proposed by T Mobile West Corp. at 26379 Fremont Road in Los Altos Hills, California, will comply with the prevailing standards for limiting public exposure to radio frequency energy and, therefore, will not for this reason cause a significant impact on the environment. The highest calculated level in publicly accessible areas is much less than the prevailing standards allow for exposures of unlimited duration. This finding is consistent with measurements of actual exposure conditions taken at other operating base stations. Located at least 30 feet away, based on the drawings. HAmmETT & EDISON, INC. CONSU is otic; ENGINEE1 TM24127B596 rai�c�4ic� Page 3 of 4 T -Mobile West Corp. - Proposed Base Station (Site No. BA24127B) 26379 Fremont Road - Los Altos Hills, California Authorship The undersigned author of this statement is a qualified Professional Engineer, holding California Registration. Nos. E-13026 and M-20676, which expire on June 30, 2011. This work has been carried out under his direction, and all statements are true and correct of his own knowledge except, where noted, when data has been supplied by others, which data he believes to be correct. June 2, 2010 HAmmur & EDISON, INC. CO.%%U UJING ENGINEERS TM24127B596 'AN rkatic1KC, Page 4 of 4 FCC Radio Frequency Protection wide The U.S. Congress required (1996 Telecom Act) the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") to adopt a nationwide human exposure standard to ensure that its licensees do not, cumulatively, have a significant impact on the environment. The FCC adopted the limits from Report No. 86, "Biological Effects and Exposure Criteria for Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields,".published in 1986 by the Congressionally chartered National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements ("NCRP"). Separate limits apply for occupational and public exposure conditions, with the latter limits generally five times more restrictive. The more recent standard, developed by the institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and approved as American National Standard ANSJAEEE C95.1-2006, "Safety Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields, 3 kHz to 300 GHz," includes similar limits. These limits apply for continuous exposures from all sources and are intended to provide a prudent margin of safety for all persons, regardless of age, gender, size, or health. As shown in the table and chart below, separate limits apply for occupational and public exposure conditions, with the latter limits (in italics and/or dashed) up to five times more restrictive: Frequency Applicable Range (MHz) 0.3— 1.34 1.34— 3.0 3.0— 30 30— 300 300— 1,500 1,500— I00,000 1000 100 3 10 v 0.1 Electromagnetic Fields (f is freauencv of emission in MHz Electric Magnetic Equivalent Far -Field Field Strength Field Strength Power Density (V/m) (A/m) (mW/cm2) 614 614 1.63 1.63 100 100 614 823.81f 1.63 2.19/f 100 18011 1842/ f 823.81f 4.89/ f 2.19/f 900/ f 180/1 61.4 27.5 4.163 0.0729 1.0 0.2 3.54-ff 1.59 rf -Tf/106 -Tf/238 f/300 f/1500 137 61.4 0.364 0.163 5.0 1.0 d Occupational Exposure ` PCS FM Cell Purblicfyosure 0.1 1 10 . 100 103 104 105 Frequency (MHz) Higher levels are allowed for short periods of time, such that total exposure levels averaged over six or thirty minutes, for occupational or public settings, respectively, do not exceed the limits, and higher levels also are allowed for exposures to small areas, such that the spatially averaged levels do not exceed the limits. However, neither of these allowances is incorporated in the conservative calculation formulas in the FCC Office of Engineering and Technology Bulletin No. 65 (August 1997) for projecting field levels. Hammett & Edison has built those formulas into a proprietary program that calculates, at each location on an arbitrary rectangular grid, the total expected power density from any number of individual radio sources. The program allows for the description of buildings and uneven terrain, if required to obtain more accurate projections. H Wm HAmmm & Emsom INC amQONSULTINGENGQVEERS FCC Guidelines SAN FRANCMD Figure I RFR.CALCT`" Calculation Methodology Assessment by Calculation of Compliance with FCC Exposure Guidelines The U.S. Congress required (1996 Telecom Act) the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") to adopt a nationwide human exposure standard to ensure that its licensees do not, cumulatively, have a significant impact on the environment. The maximum permissible exposure limits adopted by the FCC (see Figure 1) apply for continuous exposures from all sources and are intended to provide a prudent margin of safety for all persons, regardless of age, gender, size, or health. Higher levels are allowed for short periods of time, such that total exposure levels averaged over six or thirty minutes, for occupational or public settings, respectively, do not exceed the limits. Near Field. Prediction methods have been developed for the near field zone of panel (directional) and whip (omnidirectional) antennas, typical at wireless telecommunications base stations, as well as dish (aperture) antennas, typically used for microwave links. The antenna patterns are not fully formed in the near field at these antennas, and the FCC Office of Engineering and Technology Bulletin No. 65 (August 1997) gives suitable formulas for calculating power density within such zones. For a panel or whip antenna, power density S = 180 x 0.1 x Pam 2 OBw z x D x h' in mW /cm , 0.1x16xr)xPn� and for an aperture antenna, maximum power density S� = jtxh MW/CM2, where 0BW = half -power beamwidth of the antenna, in degrees, and Pnet = net power input to the antenna, in watts, D = distance from antenna, in meters, h = aperture height of the antenna, in meters, and iq = aperture efficiency (unitless, typically 0.5-0.8). The factor of 0.1 in the numerators converts to the desired units of power density. Far Field. OET 65 gives this formula for calculating power density in the far field of an individual RF source: power density S = 256 x 1.64 x 100 x RFF2 x ERP 4xxxD2 in mW/CM2, where ERP = total ERP (all polarizations), in kilowatts, RFF = relative field factor at the direction to the actual point of calculation, and D = distance from the center of radiation to the point of calculation, in meters. The factor of 2.56 accounts for the increase in power density due to ground reflection, assuming a reflection coefficient of 1.6 (1.6 x 1.6 = 2.56). The factor of 1.64 is the gain of a half -wave dipole relative to an isotropic radiator. The factor of 100 in the numerator converts to the desired units of power density. This formula has been built into a proprietary program that calculates, at each location on an arbitrary rectangular grid, the total expected power density from any number of individual radiation sources. The program also allows for the description of uneven terrain in the vicinity, to obtain more accurate projections. HAMMEIT & EwsoN, INC CONSULTING INGINEERS Methodology SANMANaSOO Figure 2 Attachment 5 Proposed Proposed Verizon Installation \ Proposed T -Mobile Installation • d Z_1 t• view from W Fremont Road looking north at site SF241278 ATT Town Hall A d v in n c e S i rr, • Mobile - 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, CA Photo Sim ulation Solutions Contact ( 925) 202-8507 Proposed Proposed Verizon Installation \ Proposed T -Mobile Installation \ AdvanceSirr Photo Simulation Sul utio r,s Contact( 925 1 202-8507 n.C' two view from W Fremont Road looking west at site Mobile � SF241278 ATTTown Hall 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, CA 6k W -Mobile�. 1855 Gateway Boulevard, 9th Floor Concord, California 94520 September 14, 2010 Our Neighbors: RECEIVED SLE' 2 0, 2010 'OWN OF LOS AL70S HILLS Attachment 6 T -mobile is bringing improved wireless coverage to residents in the area surrounding Fremont Road. A new wireless facility in your neighborhood will help accommodate the growing number of wireless calls and data transmission made on the T -mobile network. Our customers have told us that they expect solid coverage where they live, work and play. This is now especially true in residential areas. Wireless Facility We will collocate on the existing 70foot faux pine tree located at Town of Los Altos Hill (Town Hall) at 26379 Fremont Road. We will add (3) three antennas approximately 51 feet on the monopine that will be camouflaged with faux pine needles. The four equipment cabinets will be placed on the ground next to the monopine and enclosed in a shelter that will match the existing shelter currently at the site. We are scheduled for a Planning Commission meeting .in OctobeG Benefits of New Facility The needed capacity provided by the new facility will Help ensure that 9-1-1 calls are placed from wireless phones in the area will reach and stay connected with emergency services personnel. The facility is designed to blend into the surrounding area while ensuring coverage and call quality will not be diminished. T -Mobile customers will have expanded coverage throughout their homes as well as areas throughout the neighborhood Please Give us Your Thoughts welcome the opportunity to discuss the wireless facility with you in more detail. Please feel free to contact me at (925) 521-3942, or via email at Mohammed.Hill55(ab-T-Mobile.com. Thank you for your support in our efforts to expand coverage to your community. Mohammed Hill Zoning Manager ComSys for T -Mobile West Corporation C Attachment 7 TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS Los�raosl�ILis 26379 Fremont Road -.. s> -` Los Altos Hills, CA 94022 °" . Phone: (650) 941-7222 r www.losaltoshills.ca.gov CAL I FO RN IA Wireless Communications Facilities Policy Amended 10/12/2006 Code Sections Section 10-1.703 (h)(2) of the Zoning Ordinance allows service uses, including "communications facilities", to be permitted in the Town if a Conditional Use Permit is granted by the Planning Commission and City Council. Section 10-1.1007 (1) of the Code outlines findings which must be made to approve a use permit, including the proper location of the use or facility relative to others in the vicinity, the adequacy of the site to accommodate the use, and that the facility or use will not have an adverse effect on adjacent properties. Intent: The purpose of this policy is to outline the desired criteria for siting of wireless communications facilities, generally including monopoles, related antennas, and equipment shelters. As the Town's land use is virtually entirely residential, wireless communications facilities will be most appropriately located on public or institutional sites existing within the Town. Colocation, location on or near existing buildings, and landscape screening will be desired to minimize the visual impacts of the facilities on neighbors and the public. Policy: I. Priorities for siting - Wireless communication facilities shall generally be located on properties with priority as follows: a. Town -owned properties b. Foothill College c. Water tanks d. Other public or quasi -public facilities, such as schools or churches e. Residential properties of at least ten (10) acres 2. Siting on residential parcels - Wireless communication facilities may be permitted on properties used for residential purposes or vacant parcels intended for residential property owner provides written consent and significant visual impacts are mitigated. 3. Colocation — Colocation of wireless communication facilities with other facilities is encouraged to the maximum. extend feasible, as long as the colocation is technologically compatible and does not substantially increase visual impacts. The Town will generally require as a condition of approval for any conditional use permit that the applicant permit colocation of other facilities, subject to technological constraints and Town review. Policy: Wireless Communication Facilities Page 2 3a. Applications for colocation on an existing wireless communications facility shall be subject to an administrative review provided that the following requirement is met: ® The colocated antennas and ground equipment shall be mounted or installed within an existing tower, building, or structure where the physical appearance of the existing facility is not altered to accommodate the additional antennas and equipment. 4. Landscape screening and color - Landscape screening shall be required by the Town to minimize the visual impacts of wireless communication facilities. Poles, antennas, and equipment buildings should be painted to blend with the surrounding environment and/or buildings to further minimize visual impacts. 5. Environmental review - A Negative Declaration will typically be prepared for review of proposed wireless communication facilities, with- special attention to the visual impacts of the facilities. Categorical exemptions may be used where facilities are colocated with or would be minimal additions to existing structures, with negligible additional visual impact. 6. Antenna master plans — Any applicant for a wireless communication facility site shall submit applications, to the best of their knowledge, for all sites anticipated to be required by the carrier for a three (3) to five (5) year period, and the request shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission and the City Council as a master plan application. 7. Terms of permits and abandonment of sites — Conditional use permits for wireless communications facilities shall be established for periods not to exceed five (5) years, at which time renewal of the permit must be requested by the applicant. More frequent review of the operation of the permit may be made a condition of approval. Approval will also require a written agreement from the applicant that, should the use be discontinued by the carrier, all facilities will be removed not later then ninety '(90) days after discontinuance of the use or abandonment. Such a provision shall also be included in any lease with the Town for use of Town lands for wireless communications facilities. The Town may require bonding or other surety to assure the removal of such facilities. 8. Wireless communication firms shall, at the time of application for permits, demonstrate efforts which have been mad to inform neighboring residents of the proposed facilities, such as conducting meetings, or mailing fact sheets and/or letters, etc ... to neighbors. 9. The Planning Director is authorized to reduce or waive permit fees for any wireless communications facility that is proven to expand wireless coverage in the Town and is structurally capable of colocation. 10. The Planning Director is authorized to administratively approve portable wireless communications facilities also known as cell on wheels or COWS on certain properties as specified in Policy #1 on a temporary basis.